CHAPTER 8 –
© OPEYEMI OJERINDE AKINTUNDE
The worker’s prayer meeting was from 6:30am to 6:55am
before service kicks off by 7:00am. I was totally avoiding Reuben’s courtesy smile. I
could count over seven times he tried locking eyes
with me accompanied by the intentional courtesy
smile, but I would intentionally look past him. The moment the prayer meeting ended I started
running to my duty post. The hospitality roaster had been sent on the group
chat the previous day, so I knew where I was headed, but Reuben was determined. “Nwala!” Reuben called.
I couldn’t pretend not to hear. Simultaneously, I couldn’t help but notice the
surprising gazes of potential wife materials of Bro
Reuben.
“Can I have a minute please?” He called out.
Oh my! It felt like the whole workers’ squad went
silent. My mother’s piercing eyes were giving me chills. “Sure Sir,” I said emphasizing the title…
I walked like I had bricks under the sole of my feet…
“Good morning Nwala…” “Good morning Sir Reuben” I replied.
“Oh my Goodness, do I have a white beard already?” He asked
“I don’t look at your face, so I can’t tell” I replied
“But you are staring at me right now”
“You think? I am actually looking but not seeing”. Reuben let out an almost loud amused laughter. “I just wanted to say thank you for honoring my
request for lunch and friendship” He said like a
gentleman that he was
“You already sent that as a text” I replied still looking
past him.
“Which you didn’t respond to” He pointed out “I am not a phone person” I replied.
“I have been texting every day since that day, I hope
you got all my messages?”
“Yes I did, but Sir can we make this friendship a little
bit discreet so I don’t become the enemies of all the
single ladies in this church who have made marrying
you their prayer request?”
“Wow, you flatter me, I don’t think anyone notices me
in that way here?”
I laughed like a crazy person; it was a sarcastic
laughter…
“Who am I that would make me that worthy?” He said
still feigning ignorance
“Is this a joke? Are you seriously playing with me?
Which single lady won’t want to be married to Bishop
Acme’s first son? a potential General Overseer. We are
talking about Influence and Affluence… Sir, you are a prayer
request for most single ladies in this church, including
some mothers” I stated.
“But how come I don’t have such an effect on you?” He
cut in sharply but quietly. “Because I am committed to a handsome, God-fearing
man like you” I said and like something from a movie, I heard a voice call my name… A voice I knew so well, only that I was hearing it in the wrong place and at the
wrong time…
“Nwala”
I turned and I saw Daniel walking towards me looking
sharp. I could see a few long-throther sisters looking
lustfully at him. I stood like a fool in between two
handsome men, one was fair and the other dark like
me…
“Daniel! What are you doing here?” I asked faking a
smile
“I hope I came early, I checked the service time online. I Saw It starts at 7:00am and you know how I hate to
show up late” There was brief silence…, but Reuben
broke it…
“Hello Sir, Good morning Sir” He stretched his hand
for a handshake. I saw the tension in Daniel’s eyes. I
needed to make light the situation we were in…
“Oh Daniel, this is my Bishop’s son, Pastor Reuben. He is in the hospitality unit like me, so we were just
discussing our duty post… and Pastor, this is my… my… I know in church we ought not to use the word
boyfriend… but he is my boyfriend, soon-to-be fiancée, he is yet to put a ring to it…” I said trying to be a smart
girl.
“Oh … Nice… Nice to meet you sir” Reuben said
“Oh, thanks… I hope you are not interested in her, because she is all mine” Daniel said as a matter of fact. Reuben replied with a smile.
“Daniel, What’s that? Why would pastor Reuben be
interested in me when I am to be married to you…
Don’t be insecure” I said quickly.
“Praise the Lord!” Pastor Tim said from the altar
indicating it was time for service.
“Thank God!” I said out loud unconsciously as I
dragged Daniel away from Reuben…
“What are you doing here?” I asked
“Following your advice to come get born again openly
in your church
” My mouth flew open in surprise.
” Dee, That was a sarcastic statement,” I said almost
a scream
‘Well, I didn’t receive it as one”
“Well, it is… So please kindly leave the church now” I
pleaded
“Leave? Am I missing something here…?” Daniel
asked giving a playful stern look. He gave me a bow
and walked away from me going for a seat in front. My heart was pounding so loud I could hear in my
ears. To be continued…